WASHINGTON – As he faces calls from both Democrats and Republicans to be removed from office, President Donald Trump condemned his supporters for their violent swarming of the U.S. Capitol in a video statement on Thursday night.
“America is and must always be a nation of law and order. The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy,” Trump said. “To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay.”
Mr. Trump’s statement was filled with the typical falsehoods, but it was a change in tone for the President who just 24 hours prior refused to call for the rioters to leave the building.
“We love you. You’re very special,” he told his supporters in a video message on Wednesday.
After the chaos and violence, Mr. Trump has faced calls of impeachment from lawmakers on both sides after he encouraged supporters to march on the Capitol.There has also been pressure on Vice President Mike Pence and other Cabinet officials to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Mr. Trump from office just 13 days before he is set to leave office.
In the video statement, Mr. Trump also officially conceded his election fight and acknowledged his loss to President-elect Joe Biden.
“Now Congress has certified the results, and the new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation,” he said.
The statement appears to finally put to an end the long shot false attempt to overthrow the election results by Mr. Trump and his allies. Overall, Mr. Trump lost countless court cases, including two at the U.S. Supreme Court.
